DUKE 
UNIVERSITY 


DIVINITY SCHOOL 
LIBRARY 


A 


DIALOGUE 


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‘CHURCHMAN, 


A Methodistical Calvinist. 


BY AN EPISCOPAL CLERGYMAN, 


NEW-HAVEN: — 
PRINTED BY OLIVER STEELE & co. 


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pres Se eM W ELL, neighbour, whither are 
you going so early this morning? 
Calvinist. Tam going to hear the Gospel preach. 


ed. . 


Church. To hear the Gospel preached ! why 


Church will not begin these two hours. 


Cal. That I know very well, but Ifon’t go to 


‘Church to hear the Gospel préached: 


Church. No! Why where else should you gor. 
You do not frequent Conventicles, I hop®, and 
take all for Gospel that is delivered by the wild 


preachers who hold forth there. Your father and 


grandfather went to their Parish Church, and were 
taught by their pastor to live like good christians ; : 
to show forth the Gospel in their /ves as well as 
by their lips. I fear that you will not geta better 
light from your new teachers. 

Cal. You may call them wild if you please, but 


I am sure that they have got the word, and have - 


convinced me that I gm in the’ right way to Age 
saved, though I was once a lost sinner. me 


Cisteh: Don’t be too sure of all this; if vous we 


preachers. had got the word, as you call it, they 
would instruct you not to make schisms and diyi- - 


| e eel $65 


4, 


sions in the congregation;.and they would also 
teach you not to be too confident in your own se- 
curity, but to reflect that ‘there is a way which. 
seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are 
the ways of death.” 

Cal. They make no schisms aad: divisions in 
the congregation, but teach us union and mora % 
and peace. : 

Church. Then their practice is not dotintent 
with their doctrine; for forgetting that Christ 
prayed for those whom the Father had given him, 
that ‘“‘they might be one,” and that in the pure age 
~ of the Apostles, ‘‘the multitude of them that be- 
lieved were of one heart and of one soul,” they se- 
duce you to forsake the Episcopal Church, which 
is settled upon the Gospel principles, by some of 
the wisest men and best Christians that any coun- 
try ever produced ; which, to say the least, is to 
excite needless differences and separations in the 
congregation, and to interrupt the unity and peace 
of that christian fellowship which our Lord and 
his disciples have ever been anxious to establish; 
‘beseeching us “by the name of our Lord Jesus 
_ Christ, that we all speak the same thing, and that 
_ there be no divisions among us, but that we be 
perfectly joined together in the same mind and in 
the same judgment.”>* = 

Gal. They are no enemies a ine Episcopal 
* Church, but call themselves mene and minis- 
ters of that Church. ¥ 

Church. What then is Christ divided? Can © 
there be unconnected members in the same body? 
Your teachers are not ministers according to the 
form appointed in the Church, which ordains its 
clergy in the way that was established by Christ 
and its Apostles; and which governs the ‘Church 

*1 Cor. i. 10. 


; a ‘a 
aN 2 ay i. 


5 


according to the custom of the first ages, by bish- 
ops, priests, and deacons; the two latter deriving 
their authority from the superior order, by the 
‘laying on of hands.” And if your preachers are 
-qualified to teach others, they ought to know that 
those who attempted to invade the office of-the 
priesthood of Aaron were punished with death, 
and that under the Gospel, whoever “ entereth not 
by the door into the sheep-fold, but climbeth up 
some other way, the same isathief and a rob- 
ber,*” whom the sheep cannot follow with any just 
‘confidence. 

Cal. They go out to preach as the Apostles did, 
wherever the Spirit leads them, and preach what 
the Holy Ghost directs. 

Church. Aaron and his sons were consecrated 
by a divine commission expressly declared, and in- 
vested in their office with due form and solemnity 
before all the congregation. Christ himself did 
not begin his ministry till he was acknowledged by 
a voice from Heaven, and by the visible descent of 
the Holy Ghost, which lighted upon him. “He 
glorified not himself to be made an high-priest ; 
but he that said unto him, Thou art my Son, to-day 
have I begotten thee.”’|. The Apostles did not go 
out to preach till they had received authority from 
Christ, who “tas the Father had sent him, so sent 
his disciples ;” and the teachers of christianity in - 
general were ordained by the imposition of hands 
of the Apostles and first bishops of the church, 
who were commanded to ‘lay hands suddenly on 
no man.” According tothe rule established by 
these great examples, and the invariable custom of 
the church, the clergy of our establishment derive 
their authority transmitted in regular succession 

* John x1. + Heb. ¥, 5 : 
Aa 


6 


from the Apostles, receiving power from those. 
who alone are capable of conferring it, and exert- 
ing their services in their allotted districts and pa- 
rishes, agreeably to the earliest regulations, as Ti- 
tus was left in Crete, and Timothy ers over 
Ephesus. 

Cal. But the Spirit of God. is greater than that 
of any human authority, and may set aside ordina- 
ry modes of proceeding. 

Church. None who depart from the rules laid 
down by Christ and his Apostles, and who violate 
the appointments of the Church to which the pro- | 
mise of Christ’s presence till the end of the world 
must be confined, have a right ta expect the direc- 
tion of his Spirit ; neither can they be considered 
as empowered to preach the word, since they dre 
not commissioned by any authority which is ack- 
nowledged, or recommended by any manifestation — 
of a divine appointment. 

Cal. But preachers may have an eapecial call 
from God. ip 

Church. If they had an especial call Pt God, 

’ they would give proofs of their mission by “‘ signs. 
and wonders and mighty deeds,” as did Christ and 
the Apostles; and eyen Christ and his Apostles, 

who did produce miraculous testimonies of their . 
mission, were ordained, as we have seen, by exter- 
nal ceremonies, and received the communications 
of the Spirit by appointed means of consecration ; 
for “every high-priest taken from among men, is 
ordained for men in things pertaining to God,” — 
and ‘*no man taketh this honour unto himself. 38 

Cal. Well, but some of ous preachers are or- 
dained by bishops, and are ministers appointed ac= 
cording to the form of the Episcopal Church. 

Church. Do they read the Liturgy and alt 

* ta Sak Ys Lamy 


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7 


‘ister the. Sacrament of the Lord’s Supper accord- 


ing to the form of the church? 

Cal. Those who officiate at the meeting obey 
also the Spirit, and sometimes introduce an ex- 
tempore prayer in the Communion Service; they 
likewise make some little difference in the manner 
of administering the bread and wine. 

Church. If they make any addition or altera- - 
tion, they do not adhere to their engagements ; 


~ they depart from obligations which they have vo- 


luntarily taken upon themselves, and therefore 
cannot be teachers in sincerity and truth, since 
they pledged themselves by asolemn promise at 
the time of their ordination, always ‘‘so to minis- 


_ ter the doctrines and Sacraments, and discipline of 


Christ, as the Lord hath commanded, and as this 


Church hath received. the same ;” and the Spirit 
can never be supposed to direct them to break 


through a duty, which they have deliberately. and 
religiously undertaken. They likewise promised 


at ordination, that they would “be ready with all 


faithful diligence to drive away all erroneous and 
strange doctrines contrary to God’s Word:” and 
further, ‘“‘as much as in them lieth, to set forward 
quietness, peace, and love, among all Christian 
people; as likewise that they would reverently 
obey their ordinary and other chief ministers, to 
whom is committed the charge and government 
over them, following with a glad mind and will 


their godly admonitions, and submitting them- 


selves to their godly judgments.” 

Cal. But their prayers are very fine, and pro- 
mote devotion. 

Church. I do not believe that the unprepared ~ 
effustons, or even the studied prayers of any indi. 
vidual, who is not inspired, can equal the noble 
work of our Liturgy, composed from ancient 


e x 


. 5 8 


a 
forms, and improved by successive alterations: to 
the highest perfection. « 


Cal. But your congregations do not join. ia'the 
Liturgy with such warmth and devotion as We ©xs. 
press in our prayers. mS 

Church. Of that I am not convinced. There 
may be much warmth without the vehemence and 
effort which are often produced by art and enthu- 
siasm. It is the fault of individuals, if, instead of 
attending to their own prayers, they are employed 
in watching the conduct of others; and are not as 
fully engaged by the great and comprehensive ob- 
jects of our Liturgy, by its diversified forms of. 
exhortation, confession, thanksgiving, and suppli- — 
cation for the whole race of mankind, as by the 
wild and irregular flights of heated men; which 
hurry on their hearers to the expression of sentis 
ments that they have no time to canvass and ex- 
amine, which are often little calculated for ads 
dresses to the Supreme Being, and certainly are 
never so adapted to his attributes, or so concerted — 
to produce amendment and virtuous affections, asi 
the admirable prayers used in our service. = 

Cal. But we join together in :ymns and songs — 
of praise, so as to gladden the heart. | 

Church. There would be no harm, but on the r 
contrary, much reasonable and pious service, fall’ 
of the congregation who are able, would unite’ ja 
singing psalms with a well-regulated decency in 
the Church : and I believe that there are very few — 
pastors of our Church who are not willing to give — 
all encouragement and commendation to the dis- 
creet exertions of those who are desirous of pro- 
moting a conjunction and i in the singing 
of praises to God. 

Cal. The clergy have not so ‘uch i as our 
teachers, 


9 


‘Church. Zeal, my friend, is of no service, or 
rather, itis productive of much injury, unless it 
be ‘* zeal according to knowledge,” which, I take 
it, that of your teachers is not, since it arises not 
in just reflections, and is not controlled in agree- 
ment with reason and truth, But does not your 
pastor show zeal? Is he not punctual and warm in 
his devotions; earnest in his attendance and ex- 
hortations to the sick ; anxious at all times to, in- 
struct you in what is beneficial; always striving to 
promote your present happiness as well as your fu- 
ture welfare; willing to intercede with your supe- 
riors to show you any kindness; charitable to the - 
poor; and friendly, indulgent, and Hospitals to 
» alk? 

Cal. Why, yes to be sure, I cannot deny all this ; 
but then he is paid for it. 

Church. And is not the labourer worthy. of His 
reward ?—Hath not “ the Lord ordained that they 
which preach the Gospel should live of the Gos- 
pel?”*—How could he subsist and fulfil the duties 
of his station, if he were not paid? Were not the 
primitive ministers of the Church paid? Are not 
your preachers paid by subscription? 

Cal, But, Sir, I cannot understand the Church 
Preachers, ‘aud I do not like their doctrine. 

Church. Not quite so-fast, friend. If you do 
not understand them, you cannot judge whether 
their doctrine be goodornot. The clergy are in 
general men of superior education, and well ac- 
quainted with the Scriptures, which they study in 
the languages in which they were originally writ- 
ten, and with every assistance that may enable 
them to comprehend them. 

Cal, But surely I have a right to choose my 
own teacher. 

* 1 Cor. ix, 14, 


x 


“turned unto fables.” They surprise 


10 j 
Church. In this country, Mehend a free tolera- 

tion is allowed to all, you certainly may frequent 
any place of worship which you please, without 
incurring human penalties; but you must remem 
ber that voulang responsible to God, for deserting 
those guides who are ordained in a manner agree- 
ably to the Apostolic Rules; and preferring those 
who do not respect the instruction of their Lord ; 
who have not received the approbation of those 
spiritual superiors that are appointed to govern the 
Church, established on sacred principles; and who 
* have turned aside unto vain jangling, desiring to 
be teachers of the law, understanding neither ae 
they say, or whereof they. afirm.”* You m 

learn from the Prophet Malachi, that it is your du. 


> ty to “seek the law at the priést’s mouth, forhe is 
- the fal tate of the Lord of Hosts ;”} and to be 


careful that’you are not included in the number « of 
those‘of whom the Apostle foretold, ‘that 
their own lusts they should heap to themselves 
teachers.” is 
“Gal. I find the words of our preachers’ pie < 
into my soul like a'two-edged sword, 
Church. Your preachers address © 
the passions of their hearers, and no 
judgments, while the Episcopal clergy more 
appeal to the understandings, and endeavon 
fluence the convictions of men. Hence: 
the most extravagant declaimers capti 
who ‘‘turn:away their ears from the & 


tet 


rise you vb 
strange | and fearful: relations, » et sohieecne and 
old wives fables ;” they introduce descriptions and | 
images more suited to common conversation, than 
tothe solemnity of public instruction; they mis- 
lead you by figurative expressions, and texts pars 
eed. TAN: | reg, : 


a oR 


ai 


tially selected, and address you in language, which 
however it may awaken yout'fe¢hings, and amuse 
your imagination, only tends to‘dclusion and error. 
_ Religion is designed to guide our passions, by sup-+ 
porting the ascendancy of our reason; and its 
teachers should therefore be careful not to kindle 
any unrestrained fervors. Besides, I wish you to 
reficct, that the chief concern of all who resort to 
‘public worship should be prayer and attention to 
the Scriptures; and that if your preachers were 


indeed superior to ours, it would not justify you in 


- 


fi: 


withdrawing from theservice appointed, in confors 
mity to the regulations of the Primitive Church, 
Cal. Lam convinced, Sir, that I am in the right 
way; I have experienced a conversion to salvation. 
Church. However much you may be convinced 
that you are in the right way, you should remem- 
ber, that St. Paul says, “ Let him that thinketh he 
standeth, take heed lest he fall ;” and that he in- 
structs every man “not to think (of himself) more 
highly than he ought to think, but to think soberly, 
according as God hath dealt to every man the 
measure of faith.” Many have swelled with a 
Pharisaic presumption of their own righteousness, 
vand looked down with contempt on others who 
have been more justified in the isight of God. 
Conscious that “ whosoever exalteth himself shall 
be abased,” we cannot be too careful not to build 
an unwarrantable confidence on any presumed se. 
curity. - With respect to conversion also, it is not 
any sudden ¢€motion or transient impression on the 


* mind, but the deliberate conviction of an awaken- 


ed conscience, contrite in its reflections, and per- 
severing in resolutions of repentance and holiness 
of life. ene a ‘ 
* Cal. But, Sir, have the feeling of the Spirit, 
and perceive its influence constraining me to sanc- 
‘tification, =. “‘¢ 


Ste : - 


"© \ewhich reigned asit were a law ahi 


a 


i>. 


* 


: sfPRt the Father draw him ?”’+ 


12 ag 


Church. The effects of the Spirit are not per- 
‘ceptible by any senszble impulse, or irresistible cons 
troul, ‘ The wind bloweth where it listeth, and 
thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell 
whence it cometh, or whither it goeth 5 3 SO is eve~ 
ry man that is born of the Spirit.” ' Its dominion 
is to be experienced not by any visionary fancies, 
enthustastic ravings, or vain inflations of spiritual 
pride and conceit ; but by the regular and beneficial 
operation of a religious principle, acting with uni- 
form effect in the energies of a virtuous life. 

Cal. Is there not a regeneration, a new birth un- 
to righteousness? and are we not told, “that, ex- 
cept a man be born again, he cannot see the Flag: 
dom of God ?” 

Church. The expression of regeneration is em- 
ployedsin Scripture to signify that admission into 
Christ’s kingdom, which takes place at baptism, 
and that conversion under the blessed infltience of 
the Holy, Spirit, which is effected in a state of ace 
ceptance, and manifested by righteousness of life. | 

Cal. Is not this conversion, however, ascribed to 
the free grace of God ; and are we not told St. its 
Paul, that “it is God that worketh in us 1 to 
will and to do of his good pleasure ;”* and your 
Lord himself, that ‘no man can come ne to him, exe 


transgression, as to haye become s 


ringing him i into” captivity ;” so stale ourarticle 
expresses it, “‘ he could not turn and prepare hims 
self by his own natural strength to 
and calling upon God ;” “ wherefore we ies 
power to do good works pleasant : an to 
_* Philip ii, 13. tJohnvi4e 


ener 


oad 
God, without the grace cf God by Christ prevent- 
‘img us, that we may have a good will, and working 
in us when we have that good will 7 They how- 
_ ever consider those who are baptized into Christ’s 
faith, as.made free from subjection to sin; and 
they ‘suppose oh our part a power of co-operating, 
‘afreedom of -will, without which man would bea 
mere machine. They. look fora voluntary acqui- 
escence with the suggestions and guidance of the 
Spirit ; and for a reasonable obedience productive 
of holiness, and preserving a sanctity in the bo- 
-dies which are consecrated as temples to the Holy 
Ghost. The Apostle indeed introduces the text 
which you quote, of ‘*God’s. working in us,” by an 
exhortation to obedience, requiring us to “ work 


out our own salvation ;”* as he elsewhere enjoins us 
_“* net to yield: our members as instruments of un- 
righteousness unto sin, but to yield ourselves unto 


-God,y as those that are alive from the dead, ‘and 
our members as instruments of righteousness un- 
to God ;”’+ declaring, that “‘the wrath of God is 

revealed from heaven against all ungodli : 
unrighteousness of men, who ‘hold the 
righteousness. (ai 


Cal, Are we not told ce St. Paul, that “« ‘afier BS ACF 


that the kindness and love of ‘(God our Saviour to- 


: wards men appeared, not by works of righteous- 


ness which we have done, but according to his’ 


ae 


het newing of the Holy Ghost.’’§ 2 , 
Ch rch. St. Paul, and the Sacred’ Writers in’ 
ral, represent the works whi 


he lesh, before the adoption of Christian princi-° 


¥ 
Peak - 


_ of salvation; which indeed.are holden out to us® 
as having originated solely in God’s goodness : ; 


»* Philip. ii. 12,13. |. ¢ Rom. Vi. Bo om 
* Rom: i. 18, * me SP Titoiicg: ie 


merey he saved us by the washing of regeneration | 


2 are done i iy 4 


ples, as having had no avail in obtaining thie’ terms 


> 


a 


44 es 


contemplating the ruins of a fallen nature, baal 


~~ inthe deep shades of guilt, they look only to othe 


divine mercy for its restoration and renewed | 
ry; and considering the carnal mind as at enmity _ 
against God, they declare, that those that are in 
the flesh cannot serve him; that like the wild 
olive-tree, they cannot bring forth good fruits, till 
engrafted by the Spirit of God; and that ‘ with. 
out faith it is impossible to please God. at Our | 
Church also, in consistency with the Scriptures, — 
considers works done before the grace of God, 
and the inspiration of his Spirit, as not pleasant to 
God,} inasmuch as they spring from a wrong prine 
~ ciple, and are not accompanied with the conviction — 
that we are “the children of wrath,” and infected . 
bya corrupt nature; and therefore do not tend to. 
- promote God’s glory, but to encourage delusive 
 Gonfidence on a false ground. _ Nevertheless the — 
Sacred. Writings, and the interpretation of them 


by our Church, enforce the necesssity of . eee & 


ring with the design of God’s invocation ; 
yielding ourselves to his direction, when er 
to reconciliation with him: the former assuring — 
us, that “if we live after the flesh, we ‘shall die; _ 
* but if we, through the Spirit, do mortify the 
deeds of the body, we shall live ;”} and demon- 
strating by the witness of Abel, who, “being dead, 
yet speaketh,” that the gifts which are offered up _ 
an faith will be received as the fragrance of 
» ceptable sacrifice ; and the latter affirmi in 
* albeit’'good works, which are the fruits 0 
and follow after righteousness, cannot “pu away — 
sin, and. endure'the severity of God’s Judgment, 
yet thatiithey are very pleasing to God, 
exhibit a conformity to his image, pe do s 
out necessarily from a lively faith.” eS 


* Heb. xi. 6. | 10thand 11th Articles. 4 Rom. viii 118. } 


as they 


Ye 


- Gal, But do not the Scriptures represent our 
~ salvation as the work of God alone? 


Church. The Sacred Writers in general Sega : 


monstrate that the great scheme of redemption 
was concerted only inthe Divine Mercy, and con- 
_ ducted solely to the promotion of God’s glory, 

without any consideration of desert on the part of 


man, and even with a jealous rejection of his fan-’ 


cied pretensions, that “no flesh should glory in 
his presence.” God preferred individual families, 
and selected the Israelites as a peculiar people, to 
be the keepers of his oracles, and to become sub- 
servient to the manifestation of the Messiah, 


without any regard to their number or merit ; he : 


ssnetified prophets, and he called apostles and m¥ 
isters of the Gospel, to his service, while yer «. 


the womb. But the covenants which he prepared — 
had their conditions andterms, by the fulfilment of 
which alone the benefit of the seal eds would 


be obtained. 
Cal. Do not the sacmee writers say that we are 
justified by grace withou: the decds of the law? 
Church. St. Paul states tothe Jews, who sought 
salvation ‘as it were by the works of the law,” 


without the consideration of the Messiah’s atone-- 


“ment, that they were not justified by the works of 
the law; meaning by the law, the Jewish dispensa- 
tion ; which could not indeed justify, since it only 
furnished the knowledge of sin, and was “‘ the min- 
“ister of death,” and bore witness to the’ righteous- 
“ness of God, and “ what the law could not do, in 
that it was weak through the flesh, God sending 
his Son in the hkeness of sinful flesh, for sin con- 
demned sin in the flesh, that the righteousness of 
the law might be fulfilled in those who walk not af- 
ter the flesh, but after the spirit.”* He asserts al- 
so to the Gentiles, that they were admitted, not 
* Rom. vill, 4.- 


16 


from regard to their own boasted virtues, since in 
truth, they walked in the vanity of their mind, 
having the understanding darkened ,beingalienated | 
from the life of God, through thei ignorance that 
“was in them, because of the blindness of their 
Be heart,” and “ being past, feeling had given them-. 
\ kelwas over unto laciviousness, to work all unclean- — 
ness with greediness.”. Having then “ proyed to” 
. both Jéws and Gentiles that they were all under 
| sin,” he shows that we are ‘justified freely by 
God’s grace, through the redemption that is in | 
Christ Jesus, whom God hath set forth to bea pro- — 
pitiation through faith in his blood, to ‘declare his. 
righteousness for the remission of sins that are © 
-S Agby t hrough the forbearance of God, ”*  Butthis 
pressly declared to be for the exclusion of + 

zy, not to ‘t make void the law,” which was 
“jor to weaken: that righteousness, which 
oe oh 1. grace will reign unto eternal like, by deena: x 
rs ‘Christ our Lord, ree" 

Cal, But still. are: we.not led to Satin: ak 
eternal life is a free gift, and that we are aeigre 
as to everlasting consequences by. free ae in 
consideration of Christ’s sufferings? ee 

Church,. The expression of life is used i in. dios 
Scriptures to signify that knowledge which was- 
brought. to light by the Gospel, for ‘this is life 
_ eternal, that they might know the oply: true Ged, » 
and Jesus Christ whom he has sent.” Now an 
admission to the privileges of the Gospel, though 
it blot out the hand-writing of ordinances which 
was against us,” ‘‘so that there isno condemna- 
tion to those which are in’ Christ Jesus,” by no 
means dispenses us from the observance of. those ) 
' \.\. * conditions towhich the promise of eternal life is . 
aan. 2 atgactied ; and though Christ’s sure be inate 


* Rom, iti. 25. 


s 
é ee 


17 


meritorious cause of justification, by which we are 
justified from the effects of sin, and without which 
we could not be justified ; yet neither with it, shall 
we be finally accepted, unless by an he the con- 
tzons of the Gospel. 

Cal. Udo not understand how that can be a free 
gift, which is conferred on conditions. 

Church. Does not God, when he holds out, by 
his general Providence, the promise of the harvest 
renewed from year to year, confer that promise on 
the condition of tadustry and labour ? Does not the 


sovereign, who offers forgiveness to his rebellious — 


subjects on the terms of submission and future al- 
legiance, extend a free gift on conditions ? 


Cal. Do not the Scriptures, however, speak of 


an election without any respect to works? 


Church. The communication of the Gospel, like its 
that of the Mosaic covenant, is afforded to such — 
only as it seemeth right to God to call unto the | 


adoption of Sons.” “I will be graciovs,” said 
God, with respegt to the Israelites, ‘to whom I 


will be gracious ; and I will show mercy to whom. 


I will show mercy.” And with regard to the Gen- 
tiles, “ 1am sought,” says the Lord, ‘tof them that 
asked not for me ; Iam found of them that sought 


amé not; I said, behold me, behold me, unto ana- ~ 
tion that was not called by my name. I have- 


spread. out my hands all the day unto 2 rebellious 
people, which walked ina way ‘that was not good, 
after their own thoughts.”* But such declarations 


import merely that God consulted only his own! 


wisdom in affording more or less light to different 
ages and generations of men. The benefit of 
Christ’s death extended to all, as he was the propi- 
tiation for the sins of the whole race of mankind ; 


- it comprehended those who lived before his COM 


* Isaiah Ixv. 2, 
B2 


BS re ieee fe = 


5 


18) SRE ia 
we ” 
ing, and trusted in the promises ; fori he was the 
Lamb slain before the foundation of the world” 
_and its effects communicate advantage to those .. 
_twho have not heard of his name, but live up to the 
Jaw of their conscience, since ““God is no respect- 
er of persons ; but in every nation, he that feareth 
God and worketh righteousness, is: accepted of 
; him.* He extends, however, different portions 
44 of knowledge, and different opportunities of -im- 
e proving the advantage which he imparts; asinjthe . 
Vie natural world unequal degrees of light and favour 
are allotted to the several districts of the earth ; it 
is presumptuous: folly in any to complain, for who - 
art-thou who repliest against God ?. shall the thing 
formed:say to him that formed it, Why hast thou — 
made me thus? Every man, however, will be fis. 
\\. “nally judged according to the measure of. instruc- 
~ thon-which)he has Seoul allowed to enjoys: 
fal. Is there not then an election ? saleby not . 
the Scriptures speak of some being cheséa fie ‘ 
the beginning, to salvation? - ® - 
Church, An election of calling to ie Gospel’ ¥ 
there is; by which God’s gracious invitations are. 
holden out to such extent, andiin such manner as 
seeméth good to him, ‘according’ as his divine 
power hath given unto us all things that pertain | 
‘ unto life and godliness; through the knowledge of ‘7 
him that hsth called us to. glory and virtue:” bat . 
the disposition to profit by. such election rests with 
ourselves, and therefore*we are exhorted to “ give _ 
diligence to make our calling and election sure,” i 
and to “add to our faith virtue ;” for “* many are 
called, but few chosen ;” that is, many: are invited 
by God’s grace, and received into the Gospel cove 
nant, who do not profit by the call dab sete, 
own inactivity or perverseness.” ~ 57" > ‘ 
>) .* Acts x. 84,35. ‘vo speilet 1.3—10s tia’ 


Wh 


Cal. It appears, nevertheless, tome, that the 
Scriptures speak of. some being predestinated to | 
salvation withoutany respect to their ownconduct. 

Church. This is a most dangerous error, highly 
injurious to God’s attributes, and tending to pro- 
duce the mostfatal delusions. St. Paul, and other 
sacred writers, speak indeed. of God’s having 
“¢ predestinated us unto the adoption of children by 
' Jesus Christ, according to the good pleasure of his 
will, to the praise of the glory of his grace ;”* and 
they use the figurative expression of some names 
being ‘written in the book of life:” but these 
and such like-descriptions imply only a vocation to 
the privileges of the Gospel, wherein life is promi- + 
sed to faith and obedience ; or a claim to an eter- 
nal inheritance conferred on such as God foresaw 
would de “holy and without blame before him in ~ 
love ;” “ for-whom he did foreknow he also did 
predestinate to be conformed to the image of his 
Son ;”t “according as he hath chosen us in him 
before the foundation of the world, that we should 
be holy and without blame before him in love.” 

Cal. I have been led to believe, that the title to 
life which has been conferred on the elect cannot 
be forfeited, and that they cannot fall from grace; 
our Saviour indeed declares, that ‘‘no man is able 
to pluck them out of his Father’s haad.” ~ 

Church. This also is a-most erroneous opinion, 
founded on gross misconception, since» we are 
taught by express declarations of Scripture, that 
there is a danger that man, ‘after having escaped 
the pollution of the world through the knowledge 
of the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, should be 
again entangled therein, and overcome.”{ Our 
Saviour, in the passage which you produce, speaks’ 

’ only ‘tof the sheep who hear.his voice ;” who “if 
* Ephes. 5. {~ Rom. yili, 29. 4 2 Peter ii, 20: 


20 


they fallow him shall never perish. a “‘Stiftineck ie 
ed and rebellidus' men may “resist the” 
Ghost,” and quench the Spirit. The disciples of 
“Christ may, as did even David and St. Peter (not 
to mention Judas) fall from grace; they may ~ 
‘“‘put away faith and a good conscience,” and — 
“concerning faith make shipwreck;” and unless 
they renew a right spirit, they will forfeit their 
claim to eternal life, since, “except we repent, we 
shall all perish.” In consistency with this, St. 
John exhorted the elect lady and her children to 
“look to themselves, that they might not lose the 
things which they had wrought, that they might re- 
ceive a full reward; since whosoever transgres- 
“sed, and abode not in the channe i parca, had 
not God.”+ > 
' Gal. It appears to me, that web God foresaw ~ 
must have been predetermined.) = = iy 
Church. That is by no means a just conclusion. 
It is certain that God does foresee’ future events, . - 
and that nevertheless man‘isa free agent: wecan- — 
not have any idea of a perfect God without fore- 
knowledge, neither can we have any notion of a- 
moral and responsible being, who is not eindsneat 
with liberty of action. The Scriptures atalible = 
God as foreshowing future events pre i infalli 


er of Seat between life said eats. mood a 
evil, and as hereafter to be judged” for hi his con- 
duet; aad though indeed we with our imperfeet _ 
conceptions cannot here on earth, “where we see © 
through a glass darkly,” understand how ‘these © 
things can be, yet are we sure aiatr i é are in in. reals :. 


ity consistent and true. 
e& .» John %. 26—28. 


21 


Cal. Do not the Scriptures speak of some as 
doomed to evil and nae seuniattoly by a meetaba- 
ting decree? 

Church. God forbid! Christ teil gave himself 
a ransom for all, and would have all men to be sa- 
ved; even the most inveterate obstinacy: of deter» 
mined sinners is, solicited to repentance by God, 
who is “rich in mercy”’ towards all. We are as- 
sured that when the “ wicked man turneth away 
from his wickedness which he hath committed, 
and doeth that which is lawful and right, he shall 
save his soul alive ;”* that if we turn to God, 
“though our sins be as scarlet, yet:shall they be 
white as snow ;’’ and that-all manner of sin shall 
be forgiven, excepting blasphemy against the Holy 
Ghost, which consisted probably in calumniating 
those miraculous works that were finally perfor- 
med by the Holy Spirit for the conversion of man- 
kind, The- sacred writers, indeed, speak of some 


_ as so incorrigibly and reprobately wicked; as to be 


given up: by a kind of judicial sentence, to their - 
2 3 daa perverseness ; so that. God, withdrew 
his grace ; or,as itis expressed, ‘‘hardened them”’ 

in their wickedness, since having: resisted every 
invitation of his goodness, and every appeal by his” 
miracles, they. seemed incapable of belief; and 
were suffered by God to become “blinded in their 

eyes, and hardened in their hearts, that they should 

not see with their eyes, or understand with their 
hearts, and .be converted and healed.”}. The 
Scriptures also use some expressions of censure, 
sach as: *‘asonof Belial,” “ ‘a son of perdition,” 

and. *¢a child of the devil ; and they speak of 
‘“¢ vessels of wrath, fitted (thatis self-disposed) to 
destruction ;”?. and of persons so, before of old 
ordained§ (that is foretold); but these are used 


* Ezek. xviii. 27. f Isaiah i- 18. rb 
+ John xii, 40. § Rom. ix. 22. Jude 4. 4 


only as strong terms, déseriptivé of : 
_ depravity, and by no'means stamp the se 
_ delible condemnation on characters which - 
reserved for the scene’ of final decision; any 
more than the words chosen,” ‘elect,” chile 
dren of God,” can authorise ib ear in “their 
own righteousness” till that great da ays , when every P 
man shall be judged according to his we ety A af 
Cal. I have heard that the articles of your. 
- Church'teach predestination. © 1) 
Church. The seventeenth: article, an 
suppose you allude, must be consider 
Laney with the general tenor of the Lita 


anew? "the ddbenipill of» de® Wholick 
Christ; the free-will of man, and ‘the a 

nature of good works, originating ix fait 
Lag as rt as a condition of salvatio 


the privileges of the Soba or rae ir of aloe ti 
_ todife on the terms of faith and. obedience 5 “me 
ing by those who are “chosen i in Bicone iten 


the Scripture expraaies it, “elect aceanl ot re 
fore-knowledge of God.”* And this expo ition © 
of the article is confirmed by the caution which — 
is subjoined, which intimates the danger of “mis-— 
conception, and requires us to receive God’s m+ 
ises in such wise as they be generally set | rth 
Holy Scripture. Indeed, it is certaim and uni- - 
formly maintained by our Church, that Christ. of. 
fered up ‘a full, perfect, and. raphe 
oblation; and satisfaction for the sins of the w le 
world ;"? that oo blessing which we ew ics 
vr Pett i 2. : ; 


23. 


election conveys no unconditional title. to salvation ; 
but: only a restoration to favour, a gracious ad mis- 
_ sion to the privileges of a divine covenant, and 
that we can realize the benefit of that covenant, 
only, by fulfilling the law of righteousness, and by 
doing the will of the Father. 

Cal. But, Sir, are we not told that we are jasc 
fied by faith? 

Church. When St. Paul, adsxesding himself to 
the Romans, who prided themselves on the glory 
of a pretended virtue, represents us as justified 
by faith, he uses the word faith, as expressing the 
whole of the christian covenant, established by the 
atonement of Christ, and imposing the necessity 
of righteousness; faith, in opposition to heathen 
grounds of confidence ; . faith, without the deeds 
of the law, that is in datinetion from the obser- 
vances.of the Mosaic covenant; ‘faith which 
worketh by love, and maketh us perfect in every 
_ good work to do God’s will, working in us that-is 
-well-pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ.”* 
By this Faith the just are said to live; and in con- 
sistency with this, we are told that ‘* God gave his 
only Son, that whosoever belieyeth in him should 
~ not perish, but have everlasting life,”> yet that 
“‘the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of | 
’ God, °{ and that “without holiness no man shall _ 
see the Lord,” since “for this purpose God was 
- manifested, that he might destroy the works of the 
- devil ;”_ and itis certain that he will “render to 
every man according to his deeds ;”" “to them who 
by patient continuance in well- -doing seek for hon- 
our, and glory, and immortality, eternal life; - 
but unto them that are contentious, and do not » 
obey the trath, but obey unrighteousness, indigna- 
tion and wr h, tribulation and anguish upon every 
- soul of man that doeth evil, of the Jew first, and 
* Gal. v. 6, fJohniii,15. ¢1Cor. yi. 9 


had represented the examples of faith wh ch. 


-viction, and dy works was their faith 


34 5h3 See 


also of the Gentile; but glory, wai ana peace 
to every man that sriteleatin good ; to the Jew first, 
and also to the Gentile, for there is no repent of 


persons with God.”* 


Cal: Do not the Scriptures sometimes represent 
us as accepted by God, and entitled to salvation 
by faith, considered distinctly from, and in oppo- 
sition to the works of righteousness, as rae 


‘is said to have been justified by faith ee 


works? 

Church. By no means. They ‘employ. aac} 
the word justified, to signify our being released 
from the effects of original sim, restored to the 
hope of the reward, which is to be obtained by ob- 
serving the condition of the covenant under which | 
we live. Thus justified by faith “* we have peace 
with God, through our Lord Jesus Christ. St. 


' Paul having said that Abraham was justified by 


Faith ; that is, in the true sense of the word, been 
graciously liberated from condemnation, in virtue 
of Christ’s sufferings, without regard to any pre- 
vious merit “* wheréof he could glory;” and he. 
‘‘ being strong in faith,” it was imputed to him: for 
righteousness ; and some appearing to have r mis-— 
conceived the declaration, (though the Apo 


described, to have wrought righteousnes* 
James took occasion to remark, that the con 
tion of obedience was not excluded from. | - 
vine contemplation, when Abraham and Rahab_ 


‘were justified, since they both acted on thei 


'% 


fect: the former, as it were, offering his son Isaac 

upon the altar; the latter receiving the messen- 

gers, and sending them out another way ; for “as 
* Rom. ii.6—11. ~ Hie rn 


- ~ * pos 


25 


the body without the spirit is dead, so futth without works’ 

is dead also.” * . 

~ Cai. But St. Paul speaks of “ justifying the ungodly,” 
-andof faith being “counted for righteousnes to him that 

worketh not, but believeth.’’t 

Church He does so; but his meaning is, that God in 

his mercy extends the terms of salvation, even to those 

who having lived in ungodiiness, can have no ground of 
_ presumption on their works; but who nevertheles must 
“ Jet their light so shine before men, that they may see 
their good works, and glorify their Father which is in 
Heaven.”’{ And St. Paul and the Apostles indeed in gen- 
eral caution us with particular ‘zeal against the mistake 
of separating faith from works, of putting asunder what 
God hath joined together ; “for with the heart man be- 
lieveth to righteousness, and with the mouth confession 
is made unto salvation.”§ They affirm that God crea- 
ted us expressly in Christ Jesus unto good works, and 
that Christ gave himself for us, that he might“ purify 
unto himself a peculiar people zealous of good works.” 

Gai. I have heard it said, that the Articles of the 
Church maintain salvation by faith alone. 

Church. The Eleventh Article of our Church states, 
that “* we are counted righteous before God, only in con- 
sideration of the merits of our Lord and Saviour Jesus 
Christ, and not for our works and deservings ; where- 
fore that we are justified by faith is a most wholesome 
_ doctrine :” but by this it is meant merely to assert, that 

the efficacious cause which prevailed with God, was the 
atonement of Christ, inasmuch as the imperfect works 
_of condemned and corrupt beings could not satisfy the 
Divine Justice. In consideration of this sacrifice we are 
justified by faith operating to righteousness of life.— 
Faith is the condition of salvation—it is the instrument, 
and not the cause. The Reformers of our Church did 
hot dissever the connection between fuith and moral vir- 


*Jamesii. + Rom.iv.5. + Matth. v. 16. 
§Rom.x.10. Tit. ii. 14. 
c 


far 26 


tue. They aserted the inefficacy of good works in re» 
futation only of the vain follies of the Romish Church, 
which erected its presumptuous confidence on the. pre- 
tended merit of pilgrimages, masses, and other supers 
Stitions; and our teachers reprobate the opposition 
which you are led to make between faith and geod works, 
as founded on false notions, since fuith is itself a-work, 
an act of the mind. 

Cal. But is not faith the gift of God? 

Church. Every good and perfect gift is indeed from 
above. But nevertheless faith is the effect of enquiryy 
and implies a just humility, and a conviction of sin lead- 
ing to repentance, and encouraging virtue anda reliance 
on the Divine Word; being “the substance of things 
hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. It is con- 
nected with righteousness, since “he that cometh to 
God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder 
of them that diligently seek him ;”* and “ if we say that 
we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we 
lie, and do not the truth ;”, “if any one indeed be a hear- 
er of the word, and nota doer, he is like unto a man be- 
holding his natural face in a glass; for-he beholdeth 


‘himself, and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth 


what manner of man he was;” and “ what doth it profit, _ 
my brethren, though a man say he have faith, and have 
not works? can faith save him ?”’+ 

Cal. But our preachers maintain, that good works 
naturally flow from faith, and therefore they do hot Fees 
arate good works from faith. 

Church. If this were the only subject on which we 
differed, it would not be worth while for us to dispute, 
whether good works are required as a condition,* or nat- 
urally and invariably result from faith, so that it cannot 
bea true faith which does not produce them : but as the 
question is moved with other subjects-of disagreement, 
I must insist that obedience to the active precepts of the 
Gospel is required in Scripture as an absolute condition 
of salvation ; since we are positively told, “ that we must 


* Heb. xi, 6. + James ii. 14. 


27 


all appear before the judgment seat ‘of Christ,” that 
every one may ‘receive the things done in his body ac- 
cording to that he hath done, whether it be good or 
bad ;”’* and that on that day, by our works and words we 
shall be justified or condemned. I must add, that Iam 
afraid it appears that the preachers whom you frequent 
do not explicitly affirm, that faith must be so connected 
with good works; and that there is too much reason to 
believe that their hearers sometimes rest their hopes on 
such sfiecudative and darren faith, as even “ the devils, 
who believe and tremble,” might entertain; and are 
thereby led not only to neglect practical virtues, but de- 
liberately to undervalue them—to act wrong on princi- 


“ple, and systematically to disregard the great practical 


laws of the Gospel. It is certain, at least, that those 
who preach faith without works, raze the foundations of 


_ all morality, and weaken the whole force and tendency 


of revealed instruction, making the precepts of the Gos- 
pel of none effect, and destroying the influence of that 
conviction which Christ enforced ; who taught us, * that 
the hour is coming, in which all that are in the graves 
shall hear his voice, and shall come forth; they that 
have done good unto the resurrection: of life, and they 
that have done evil unto the resurrection of damna- 
tion.” $ 

Cal. By resting so much on your own exertions and 
works, you appear to undervaiue God’s grace, and the 
merits of Chriss’s sacrifice. 

Church. Ow the contrary, we consider the grace of 
God as essential to the suggestions, encouragement, and 
completion of every’ good design, and that no offerings 
on our part can be acceptable to God, but in considera- 
tion of Christ’s atonement; we know that though it be 
our duty to follow in the footsteps of our Blessed Master, 
and to endeavour to attain in some measure. the faint 
shadows of our Saviour’s perfection ; yet, that “when _ 
we have done all, we are unprofitable servants,” and by 
these doctrines I apprehend that we affirm the truth in 


* 2Cor.v. 16. { James ii, 19, & John v. 28, 29, 


, 


eo 


. 28 


Christ Jesus, “ maintain things good and profitable unto 
men,” and avoid those pernicious errors which are pro- 
pagated in your Meetings and Pabernacles. 

Cal. Our preachers seem to have good ground for 
their doctrines, and they produce Scripture for what 
they say. 

Church. 1 think that I have shown you that they have 
not good grounds for what they say, but that they build 
ov a sandy foundation. If they cite Scripture in sup- 
port of their notions, it is what all heretics, who have 


existed since the first promulgation of the Gospel, have 


done ; selecting individual passages, without regard to 
the context and real import, and “ wresting them to their 
own destruction :” whereas our Reformers, who com- 
pared Scripture with Scripture, examined the texts 
which they produced with reference to their bearing and 
general signification, and thereby they established a reg- 
ular and consistent system, rendering that a pillar of 


light, which to some is a cloud of darkness. It is of 


great importance in the explication of doctrines, to listen 
to sober and deliberate authority, since there is no end 


_.to the fancies and misconceptions of individuals ; as hag 


been seen fully indeed from the variety of opinions 
which have been adopted by different Calvinistic preach- 
ers; who, though they have scarcely yet existed two 
centuries, have fluctuated with various changes, ‘ ever 
learning, but never abie to come to the knowledge of 
truth ;” filling God’s Temple with vain idols of their 
own imagination ; departing more and more from: the 


sincerity of the faith; and multiplying into: numerous, 


subdivisions and sects, who seem to agree in no princi- 
ple, but in that of departure from the Episcopal Church, 
and of preaching delusions more or es mischievous to 
society. 

Cal. How do their doctrines appear to be Bist yiilin 

Church. Every error in doctrine may, ana probably 
will, be productive of practical evil. A stone cannot be 
taken from the arch, without weakening the whole fa- 


bric. I have pointed out to you many errors which they 


maintain. I have shown you that they promote schisms 


29 


and unwarrantable separations ; that uy maintaining an 
irresistible propensity to evil in our fallen nature, and af- © 
fixing the stamp of reprobation by an horrble decree, 
they “pring down some irrecoverably, as it were, to the 
gates of hell, and leave them in a despair which ex- 
cludes all hope, and drives them into wretchlessness of 
living; while, en the on the other.hand, by deluding 
others into a daring and unjustifiable presumption of @ 
JSancied election by God’s partial favour, they lead them 
to swell with pernicious pride, puffed up in their own 
vain imaginations, and indifferent to moral duties. Thus 
is the idea of the present life being a@ state of trial and 
probation entirely done away, and the expectation of fu- 
ture rewards and punishments annihilated, or rendered 
of none effect; while men are preposterously taught, 
that some can by no exertions be saved, others by no 
transgressions condemned; that every man’s doom is 
irrevocably fixed by an immutable decree, which neither 
virtue nor vice can cancel. Doctrines more mischiey- 
_ous than Heathens ever taught; greedily swallowed by 
the ignorant and depraved, though in direct opposition 
to the dictates of that grace, which teaches us, “that 
denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live so- 
berly, righteously, and godly in the present world, look- . 
ing for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of 
the Great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ.”’* 

Cal, But you will allow, that, notwithstanding those 
errors in doctrine which you have pointed out, our min- 
isters have done some good, and we are told that “ by 
their fruits ye shall know them ;” they have converted 
many to the faith who lived totally regardless of Christ, 
sand they promote a spirit of religion in society. 

Church. That many of that description have been, 
well-meaning, though mistaken men, I do not dispute; 
and I acknowledge that they often labour with great 
zeal and earnestness in the cause which they have un- 
dertaken—that they have led some to reflection on reli- 


® Tit. ii. 12, 13... 
B2 


eee : 


gious subjects, and even to gevatiin and saieaiieh of life, 
I am ready to admit; but J contend, that in proportion 
as the doctrines of those who have withdrawn from com- 
munion with our Church, have been mingled with the 
errors which I have detailed, they have been productive 
of practical evils in society. ‘Their notions of an impos- 
sibility of falling from grace, and of a salvation e/ready 
Jinished to the elect, by the imputed righteousness of 
Christ, would countenance sinners; though stained with 
the spots of adultery and murder.* Their fancies of 
justification by faith, without moral obedience, would, as 
I have shown, reduce christian holiness to barren specu- 
lation ; and their application of those texts, which re- 
gard the calling of nations by the glad tidings of the 
Gospel, to the conceit of an unconditional preference or 
rejection of individuals, while it leads presumptuous and 
fanatical men to offensive and dangerous confidence, 
condemns the humble and contrite te “ drink the cup of 
trembling to the dregs,” and sometimes to sink under 
the misery of their desponding convictions. 

Cal.. But the Churches are not open for service of 
an evening; and therefore how can we so well employ 
ourselves, as by assembling together for supplication 
and prayer? 

Church. have shown you that you do not employ 
yourselves well, in assembling at meetings erected in 


* The pernicious consequences of the erroneous opinions here 
considered, however they may.be disclaimed by their specula- 
tive advocates, in the cireumspection of controversy, are too 
frequently and too notoriously experienced, in their practical ef- 
fects on society ; and have sometimes been fearfully illustrated © 
jn the wildest and most flagitious excesses of Antinomianism. 
Without advertins to more recent proofs, it may be observed, 
that Wesley had Soi much reason to express his regret in wit- 
nessing the early fruits of his doctrines, that he had ‘leaned to- 
wards Calvinism,” and that Luther had long before lamented, 


that in his eager and intemperate zeal, he had ealled he Epistle 


of St. James, “an Epistle of Straw.” my 


31 


opposition to the Church, and that “in vain:do you wor- 
ship God,” while “ teaching for doctrines the command- 
ments of men,” “ making the grace of God of none ef- 
fect” by your inventions. The Churches are always 
open twice a day; andI am fully persvaded that, the 
time after divine service would be much more usefully 
employed among your families, by teaching and in- 
-structing your children and friends, and servants, than 
by assembling in crouds to hear those who “ consent not 
to wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus 
Christ, and to the doctrine which is according to godli- 
liness ;” or to heighten misguided fervors, and to chaunt 
your hymns and songs, which are adulterated by the in- 
termixture of fulsome expressions and affected cant, 
with the pure and simple productions of sacred writ. 

Cal. You forget that you allowed that some of our 
teachers are well meaning and pious men. 

Church. Ihave admitted that some of them may be 
well meaning men ; but I also say, that if they are such, 
they are deluded by their own imaginations ; and that, 
as ignorant and illiterate persons, they are not qualified 
for the office of instruction, but must necessarily be 
“ blind guides,” and mislead their hearers by their “ vain 
babbling.” 

Cal. The Apostles themselves were unlearned men; 
“‘ God chose the foolish things of the world to confound 
the wise.” 

Church. The Apostles were in general selected from 
the unlettered multitude, that the Gospel might not 
seem to be of human contrivance, or indebted for its suc- 
cess to * the enticing words of man’s wisdom,’ but ma= 
nifestly appear to be “ the power of God.” They were, 
however, on account of their human deficiencies, endow- 
ed with miraculous gifts, which enabled them to perform 
great wonders, and to utter the suggestions of the spirit 
in all languages; but in the ordinary regulations of 
God’s spiritual government, men were duly prepared 
and qualified for the priesthood ; and it was a charge of 
rebellion against Jeroboam, when condemned to be cut 
off for his sins, that he had “ made priests of the lowest 


. 


32 


of the people’"* I must add likewise on ub 
that same of your teachers are not merely i sinc 
appear “ to welk in craftiness,” “ handling the word 


they 
of God deceitfully,” “ creeping into Bouses, and leading — 
captive silly women Teden with sins,” and “ led away. 


with divers lusts ;” modelling their creed, and mo- 
dating their service in conformity tothe opinions of fluc- 
tuating congregations ; and endeavouring, by the omis- 
sion of all specified ferms of communion, 6 

every sect and description of men, who secede from the 
Church. 


Cel. St. Paul tells us, that he became all things z 


all men, that he might gain converts. 


p ¢ ’ | 
ae ae ee! 


Church. Whatever indulgence the Apostle might 3 


show to the deep-rooted prejudices of those- w 
addressed, he in no instance sacrificed-any point of faith 


or doctrine according to the truth, as it was in‘Christ Je- — 


sus, but only by hatenless concessions endeavoured to 


promote the important doctrines of Christianity ; doing 
it “ fer the Gospel’s sake,” and “ rejcicing in the test- 


mony of his conscience, that in simplicity and godly sin- — 
cerity, not with fieshly wisdom, but by the grace of God, 


he had his conversation in the world :” whereas those 

to whonrl allude, “ depart from the faith.” “ poet 
form of godiiness, but denying § the power ‘thereof ;” and 
have “ forsaken the right way,” sometimes interweaving 
with religious errors, many “vain deceits after the tra- 
ditions of men,” using thcir liberty as a clouk of mali- 
ciousness,”” and eren spoiling their hearers by that“ phi- 


losophy, falsely so called,” which has lately produced 


such infinite mischief in the world. 


Cal. What particular evils do you suppose to haat" 


from our erroneous doctrines ? 

Church. I have before lamented that separation from 
the communion of an Apostolic Church, which is a po- 
sitive breach of the harmony that Christ instructed his 
Disciples to cultivate. I have lamented that desertion 
of duly-constituted ministers, and that resort to 


pointed teachers, which exposes you to every = 
* 1 Kings, xi. 31. “ 


33 


I have spoken of that injudicious ardor with which your 

passions are inflamed, till carnal sensations seem to min- 

gle with spiritual affections. I have also expressed my 
regret at that pharasaical pride, so highly offensive to 

God and man, which is fostered by the notion ofa pecu- 

culiar election into God’s favour; which builds an un- 

christian confidence on the conceit of an imaginary per- 

fection, and often excites an uncharitable contempt and 

condemnation of other men, who though perhaps they 

make not long and superfluousprayers, give more sub- 

stantial proofs of a just and aceeptable faith, by « visiting 

the fatierless and widows in their affliction, and keepiiig 

themselves unspotted from the world ;” and lastly, I 

have alluded to that infatuation, which forgeiteth aa 

« whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap ;” 

which neglecting the line upon line, and precept Bs 
precept, by which the moral duties and charities of life 

are emphatically enforced, reclines on the reed of an un- 
productive faith, and crying “ Lord! Lord *” omitteth 

to obey the will of the Father. 
Cal. Well, sir, I confess that you have convinced me 
- that I should do well to return tothe Church. 

_ Church. This is a very ingenuous and honourable 
coniession, and demonstrates a mind open to argument 
and truth. J wish that others would attend tothe con- 
siderations which have influenced you, and relinquishing 
their vain fancies, abide by that which is reasonable and 
just ; for “other foundation can no man lay than that is 
laid, which is Jesus Christ ;” and the doctrines and in- 

_ .Stitutions of the Church, however they may have been 
- exposed to enmity and censure, are certainly sanctioned 
-as toall essential points, by the Revelations and Ordinan-- 
ces of Divine Authority. 

Cal But what will the Meshrotet our Meeting say? 
Church. What must the Clergy and your neighbours 
have said, when you deserted the Church, which, from 
your earliest years, you were taught to reverence? If 
you disregarded the reflections of a great community, 
_ when disposed to act unbecomingly, resist the seduc- 


> 


34 _ os 


tions of a small assembly in order to do right ; « with. 
draw-yourself from every brother that walketh disorder- 
ly ;” return to the faith which you once professed in sin- 
cerity, and stand fast in one spirit, in one mind, * with 
those who abide in the truth,” * striving for the faith of 


‘the Gospel, in nothing terrified by your adversaries, 


which is to them an evident token of perdition, but to 
you of salvation, and that of God,” * in all things show- 
ing yourself a pattern of good works ; in doctrine, 
showing uncorr uptness, gr avity, sincerity, sound speech, 
that cannot be condemned, that he that is of the contrary 
party may be ashamed, having no evil thing to say of 


you ;” “in meekness instructing those that oppose them- . 


selves; if God peradventure will give them repentance _ 
to the ecknowledging of the truth.” 

Cal. | already feel a satisfaction in returning back to 
the bosom of the Church, which I must say has always ~ 
displayed that moderation, that tolerance towards others, 
which is the presumption of truth and the characteristic 


of the Christian spirit. My mind always misgave me 


for deserting its service, for I thought that God seemed: 
to favour it by the prosperity y which he has bestowed on — 


the country since its institutions and privileges have been — 


perfectly established ; and I hope in future steadily to. 


“adhere to its principles. 


Churci. Y warmly commend you for your just and 
pious resolutions, and I earnestly pray to God to confirm 
you in them, that you may “ hold fast the form of sound 
words,” and * that you henceforth be no more, as chil- 
dren who are tossed to and fro, and carried about with 
every wind of doctrine by the sleight of men and cun- 
ning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive.” 
‘Phe Appointments of the Episcopal Church, as agreea- 
ble to the Divine Instructions, and as supporting the 
great moral pillars on which the welfare of mankind 


must rest, and be presumed to have conciliated the Di- - 
-ivine Favour, so repeatedly and so signally manifested 
under the most remarkable circumstances. Its privile- — 


ges are interwoven with the interests of the country, 


' 


35 


so as to form one well-compacted fabric of civil 
and religious liberty. I pray to God that you may 
maintain an unshaken attachment to their united cause, 
and that our unexampled prosperity may not be destroy- 
ed by religious dissensions. ‘[hat you may “be filled 
with all knowledge of God’s will, in all wisdom and 
spiritual understanding,” and that you may “ walk wor- 
thy of the Lord, unto all pleasing, being fruitful in eve- 
ry good work,” “giving thanks unto the Father who 
hath made you meet to be a partaker of the inheritance 
of the Saints in light.” Finally, I supplicate Almighty 
God, “that you may approve things that are excellent, 
that you may be sincere and without offence to the day 
of Christ, being filled with the fruits of righteousness, 
which are by Jesus Christ unto the glory and praise of 
God.” : 


Ty ner omeptere abvete tei ses ey 


— 


Date Due 


P21865 


we. 


d01806S¢c00 


ANNA 


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